Determination and speciation of inorganic As in homeopathic medicines by HG-ICP OES method with no or minimal sample treatment before measurements.

The analysis of homeopathic medicines for the content of total inorganic As by hydride generation (HG) hyphenated with the ICP OES detection was presented. Various forms of medicaments (sugar pellets, tablets, alcohol-based drops), containing Arsenicum album or Arsenicum iodatum in several potencies (C9-200, D6-10), as well as different sample preparation approaches (wet digestion, extraction, dissolution, dilution, direct analysis) before spectrometric measurements were studied. The influence of the undecomposed sample matrix (mainly sugar and alcohol) on the HG process of As was examined in detail. Under optimal conditions found, simplified sample preparation procedures for the determination of As traces were proposed. The suitable sensitivity, the limit of detection of As < 0.1 ng g-1, the precision within 0.31-7.4 % (as RSD), and the adequate trueness (94.9-113 % as confirmed by the recovery test) were achieved. Using the species-selective HG conditions and the developed direct analysis method, the speciation of As in arsenic drops without any prior chromatographic separation of As(III) and As(V) was carried out. The applicability of the developed strategies was demonstrated by the determination of As in 13 homeopathic products available on the Polish market.

The Materiality of Homeopathic Medicines. DynHom Research Program

Homeopathy is controversial because using highly dilute medicines (high homeopathic potencies, HHP) beyond the Avogadro/Loschmidt limit. Previous publications [1,2] using NMR relaxation revealed the involvement of nanobubbles and/or nanoparticles and/or nanometric superstructures in high potentizations. Nano Tracking Analyse (NTA) demonstrated the presence of particles in HHPs [3,4]. WithSEM-EDX [5] we observed an ionic diversity common to all preparations including HHPs and significant differences in the relative quantity of each ion between different homeopathic manufacturing lines and controls. FTIR spectroscopy [6] shows that the molecular composition is that of carbonates, primarily sodium bicarbonate.Methods:To observe the materiality of homeopathic medicines a multidisciplinary approach is necessary. In collaboration with several universities,we canobserve these medications with NMR, NTA, SEM-EDX, FTIR, pH,and EPA. Results:The essential component of all already studied homeopathic medicines is sodium hydrogen carbonate modulated by some other elements in a specific quantity, size,and shape. The probability that the observed results could have occurred just by random chance can be rejected(significantlyabove the Avogadro limit) p < 0,001.Conclusions:The homeopathic medicines do contain material with a specific ionic composition even in HHPs diluted beyond the Avogadro/Loschmidt limit. This specificity can be attributed to the manufacturing process. These results demonstrate that the step-by-step process (dynamized or not) does not match the theoretical expectations in a dilution process. The starting material and dilution/dynamization method influencethe nature of these NPs. The role of carbonates and sodium bicarbonate must be carefully studied in the future. Its aqueous solution is alkaline in nature but itis an amphoteric compound, which means that the compound has both acidic as well as alkaline character. The reaction with acids results in sodium salts and carbonic acid and the reaction with the basic solution producescarbonates and water. Specific electric fields are indeed detectable.

Consumo y buenas prácticas de preparación de medicamentos homeopáticos en un servicio farmacéutico comunitario / Consumption and good practices in the preparation of homeopathic medicines in a community pharmacy service

La Homeopatía es una modalidad terapéutica que se practica desde el siglo XIX, siendo reconocida por la Organización Mundial de la Salud. En Cuba, con el desarrollo de la Medicina Natural y Tradicional (MNT), el uso de la Homeopatía se ha extendido y se ha incrementado el consumo de sus medicamentos. Objetivo: Caracterizar el consumo y el cumplimiento de las Buenas Prácticas de Preparación de medicamentos homeopáticos. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal del tipo consumo, en la Farmacia Homeopática Provincial de Santiago de Cuba. Resultados: El 94,03% del total de las ventas, fue mediante recetas médicas, entre los 12 medicamentos homeopáticos más prescriptos estuvieron la Drossera, Sambucus y Belladona. La especialidad con más prescripciones fue la de Pediatría con el 53,32%, recibiéndose recetas de 12 Instituciones de salud de la provincia. Dentro de los errores detectados en las recetas sin calidad predominó en el 87,35% la omisión de las potencias y errores en la nomenclatura del medicamento. En la valoración del cumplimiento de las normas de Buenas Prácticas de Preparación se obtuvo la puntuación de 83 puntos de 100, clasificándose el cumplimiento en dicho servicio con la categoría de Bien. La dispensación de los medicamentos homeopáticos resultó ser adecuada en el 100 % de los casos. Conclusión: Se comprobó el amplio uso de esta terapéutica en el territorio. Se detectaron deficiencias en la calidad de las recetas médicas. La dispensación constituyó un factor de impacto positivo en los pacientes(AU)

Homeopathy is a therapeutic modality that has been practiced since the 19th century, been recognized by the World Health Organization. In Cuba, with the development of Natural and Traditional Medicine (NTM), the use of Homeopathy has spread and the consumption of its medicines has increased. Objective: To characterize the consumption and compliance with the Good Practices for the Preparation of homeopathic medicines. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study of the consumption type was carried out in the Provincial Homeopathic Pharmacy of Santiago de Cuba. Results: 94.03% of total sales were through medical prescriptions, among the 12 most prescribed homeopathic medicines were Drossera, Sambucus and Belladonna. The specialty with the most prescriptions was Pediatrics with 53.32%, with prescriptions received from 12 health institutions in the province. Among the errors detected in the prescriptions without quality, 87.35% were due to omission of potencies and errors in the nomenclature of the drug. In the evaluation of compliance with the standards of Good Preparation Practices, a score of 83 points out of 100 was obtained, classifying compliance in this service with the category of Good. The dispensing of homeopathic medicines was adequate in 100 % of the cases. Conclusion: The wide use of this therapy in the territory was verified. Deficiencies were detected in the quality of medical prescriptions. Dispensing was a factor of positive impact on patients(AU)

Use of Self-Medication with Homeopathy in Germany: Results of an Online Questionnaire Survey.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about self-medication with homeopathic drugs in Germany. The aim of this study was to gain information about users, sources of information and the selection process of the drugs. METHODS: An online questionnaire survey among users of self-medication with homeopathy was conducted via social media and email newsletters. RESULTS: A total of 665 users who responded to the questionnaire were included. Most of the respondents were women (92%) in their mid-forties with high educational status. In total, 43% of the participants reported a household member working in the health sector. Books (65%) and Internet (47%) were the most common sources of information. Consultations in pharmacies - with a mean duration of 10 min - were likely to be used (60%). Homeopathic drugs were mainly used in the potency D12 (55%), for a duration of 5 days, 3 times daily, with 5 globules. Homeopathic drugs were mainly used due to good therapeutic experiences in the past (82%). Indications for use were acute diseases (91%), particularly colds (86%), as well as chronic diseases (51%) and prevention (47%). The selection of a homeopathic drug took the participants 25 min on average. CONCLUSION: Homeopathic self-medication is understood by users as a resource to regain, maintain, and promote health. Further research about the quality and applicability of information for homeopathic self-medication is necessary.

Development of Software for Automatic Analysis of Intervention in the Field of Homeopathy.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of homeopathic medicines (in higher potencies) in normal subjects, Peripheral Pulse Analyzer (PPA) has been used to record physiologic variability parameters before and after administration of the medicine/placebo in 210 normal subjects. METHODS: Data have been acquired in seven rounds; placebo was administered in rounds 1 and 2 and medicine in potencies 6, 30, 200, 1 M, and 10 M was administered in rounds 3 to 7, respectively. Five different medicines in the said potencies were given to a group of around 40 subjects each. Although processing of data required human intervention, a software application has been developed to analyze the processed data and detect the response to eliminate the undue delay as well as human bias in subjective analysis. This utility named Automatic Analysis of Intervention in the Field of Homeopathy is run on the processed PPA data and the outcome has been compared with the manual analysis. The application software uses adaptive threshold based on statistics for detecting responses in contrast to fixed threshold used in manual analysis. RESULTS: The automatic analysis has detected 12.96% higher responses than subjective analysis. Higher response rates have been manually verified to be true positive. This indicates robustness of the application software. The automatic analysis software was run on another set of pulse harmonic parameters derived from the same data set to study cardiovascular susceptibility and 385 responses were detected in contrast to 272 of variability parameters. It was observed that 65% of the subjects, eliciting response, were common. CONCLUSION: This not only validates the software utility for giving consistent yield but also reveals the certainty of the response. This development may lead to electronic proving of homeopathic medicines (e-proving).

Prevalence of homeopathy use by the general population worldwide: a systematic review.

AIM: To systematically review surveys of 12-month prevalence of homeopathy use by the general population worldwide. METHODS: Studies were identified via database searches to October 2015. Study quality was assessed using a six-item tool. All estimates were in the context of a survey which also reported prevalence of any complementary and alternative medicine use. RESULTS: A total of 36 surveys were included. Of these, 67% met four of six quality criteria. Twelve-month prevalence of treatment by a homeopath was reported in 24 surveys of adults (median 1.5%, range 0.2-8.2%). Estimates for children were similar to those for adults. Rates in the USA, UK, Australia and Canada all ranged from 0.2% to 2.9% and remained stable over the years surveyed (1986-2012). Twelve-month prevalence of all use of homeopathy (purchase of over-the-counter homeopathic medicines and treatment by a homeopath) was reported in 10 surveys of adults (median 3.9%, range 0.7-9.8%) while a further 11 surveys which did not define the type of homeopathy use reported similar data. Rates in the USA and Australia ranged from 1.7% to 4.4% and remained stable over the years surveyed. The highest use was reported by a survey in Switzerland where homeopathy is covered by mandatory health insurance. CONCLUSIONS: This review summarises 12-month prevalence of homeopathy use from surveys conducted in eleven countries (USA, UK, Australia, Israel, Canada, Switzerland, Norway, Germany, South Korea, Japan and Singapore). Each year a small but significant percentage of these general populations use homeopathy. This includes visits to homeopaths as well as purchase of over-the-counter homeopathic medicines.

Effects of homeopathic medicine on physical properties of matter - a classical and QED perspective

Homeopathic medicines affect physical properties of matter which depend on the characteristic and the potency of the medicine1. These effects can be explained from two aspects: (a) classical and (b) quantum electrodynamical. Using three different sets of experiments where homeopathic medicines have affected the physical properties of matter, we have shown how the results can be interpreted from both these points of view. (AU)

Homeopathic medicines for prevention of influenza and acute respiratory tract infections in children: blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Influenza and its complications are common at all ages, especially in children. Vaccines and anti-influenza drugs aim to prevent it. Preventative approaches with favorable risk profiles should be considered for flu, particularly since the evidence of the efficacy of anti-viral drugs is debated. METHODS: This pragmatic clinical trial was conducted in the Brazilian Public Health System in Petrópolis (BPHSP) with children aged from 1 to 5 years old. The medications used were mainly selected based on in vitro experiments (InfluBio), and in successful qualitative clinical experiences (Homeopathic Complex). Following informed parental consent, subjects were randomly distributed, in a blind manner, to three experimental groups: Homeopathic Complex, Placebo, and InfluBio. BPHSP health agents collected flu and acute respiratory infection symptomatic episodes monthly following the established protocol. The number of these episodes was registered in one year (2009-2010). RESULTS: Out of the 600 children recruited, 445 (74.17%) completed the study (149: Homeopathic complex; 151: Placebo; 145: InfluBio). The number of flu and acute respiratory infection symptomatic episodes detected in this clinical trial was low; however, it was different between homeopathic groups and placebo (p < 0.001). In the first year post-intervention, 46/151 (30.5%) of children in the placebo group developed 3 or more flu and acute respiratory infection episodes, while there was no episode in the group of 149 children who used Homeopathic Complex, and only 1 episode in the group of 145 (1%) children who received InfluBio. CONCLUSION: These results suggested that the use of homeopathic medicines minimized the number of flu and acute respiratory infection symptomatic episodes in children, signalizing that the homeopathic prophylactic potential should be investigated in further studies.

A homeopatia como possibilidade terapêutica para mulheres portadoras da síndrome pré-menstrual / Homeopathy as a therapeutic option for women with premenstrual syndrome

A Síndrome Pré-Menstrual (SPM) é um problema de saúde com elevada prevalência: cerca de 80% das mulheres apresentam sintomas pré-menstruais e um percentual menor padece de formas mais graves como a Síndrome Disfórica Pré-Menstrual (SDPM). A Homeopatia, um sistema médico complexo que considera as singularidades de cada mulher, constitui uma forma de tratamento individualizado de acordo com o princípio da semelhança. O presente trabalho tem o objetivo de conhecer sobre a Homeopatia como possibilidade terapêutica para mulheres portadoras da Síndrome Pré-Menstrual (SPM). O texto aborda as diferentes manifestações da síndrome pré-menstrual, sua compreensão, diagnóstico e tratamento, segundo a ótica do modelo alopático e da episteme homeopática. Da mesma forma, descreve características de alguns medicamentos homeopáticos e discorre sobre pesquisas realizadas a respeito da eficácia ou efetividade da Homeopatia no tratamento da SPM. Trata-se de um estudo de revisão bibliográfica conduzido entre junho de 2015 e fevereiro de 2016. Houve consulta a diferentes fontes, tais como: matérias médicas homeopáticas, repertórios homeopáticos, artigos de revisão bibliográfica, artigos sobre pesquisas científicas, livros especializados e outras. A investigação realizada orientou a escolha de oito medicamentos homeopáticos com o potencial de tratar sintomas pré-menstruais, a saber: Sepia officinalis, Natrum muriaticum, Lachesis mutus, Pulsatilla nigricans, Nux vomica, Calcarea carbonica, Lycopodium clavatum e Folliculinum. Foram, também, encontrados quatorze artigos em periódicos científicos relacionados com o tema, entre esses ­ três revisões sistemáticas, cinco ensaios clínicos explanatórios e seis pesquisas com outros delineamentos. Alguns estudos indicaram que os medicamentos homeopáticos, inclusive os citados, podem aliviar sintomas da SPM e propiciar certo conforto às mulheres portadoras da síndrome. Os resultados dessas pesquisas parecem promissores, mas não conclusivos, pois os estudos realizados até a presente data apresentam importantes falhas metodológicas e uma parcela deles não acata o princípio da individualização do tratamento, nem outros postulados da Homeopatia. Além disso, é possível que os ensaios clínicos experimentais, explanatórios, não representem o único meio de se estimar esses resultados. Estudos com aspectos pragmáticos, que avaliam a efetividade do tratamento homeopático em cenários próximos à prática cotidiana, também parecem válidos e podem complementar o modelo anterior. Pesquisas futuras com diferentes delineamentos e que respeitem os princípios homeopáticos devem ser realizadas, para se investigar as reais possibilidades da Homeopatia no tratamento da SPM.(AU)

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a health problem with high prevalence: about 80% of women experience premenstrual symptoms and a lower percentage suffers from severe forms of the syndrome such as Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). Homeopathy, which is a complex medical system that takes into account the particularities of each woman, is a form of individualized treatment according to the similarity principle. This work aims at knowing about homeopathy as a therapeutic possibility for women that suffer from Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). The paper discusses the different manifestations of premenstrual syndrome, its understanding, diagnosis and treatment from the viewpoint of allopathic model and homeopathic episteme. Similarly, this work describes characteristics of some homeopathic medicines and discusses about conducted research regarding the efficacy or effectiveness of Homeopathy for PMS treatment. It is a bibliographic review conducted between June 2015 and February 2016. Different sources were consulted, such as: homeopathic materia medica, homeopathic repertories, literature review articles, articles on scientific research, specialized books and others. The search guided the choice of eight homeopathic medicines with the potential to treat premenstrual symptoms, i.e., Sepia officinalis, Natrum muriaticum, Lachesis mutus, Pulsatilla nigricans, Nux vomica, Calcarea carbonica, Lycopodium clavatum and Folliculinum. Fourteen articles in scientific journals related to the topic were also found: three systematic reviews, five explanatory clinical trials and six research with other designs. Some studies have indicated that homeopathic medicines, including the aforementioned ones, can relieve PMS symptoms and provide some comfort to women with the syndrome. The results of this research look promising but they are not conclusive because the studies conducted until now present significant methodological flaws and a portion of them does not obey the principle of individualization of treatment and other postulates of Homeopathy. Moreover, it is possible that the experimental trials, explanatory, do not represent the only way to estimate these results. Studies with pragmatic aspects that evaluate the effectiveness of homeopathic treatment in scenarios similar to daily practice also seem valid and may complement the previous model. Future studies with different designs that follow the homeopathic principles must be performed in order to investigate the real possibilities of Homeopathy in the treatment of PMS.

Sobre los medicamentos homeopáticos mexicanos / On Mexican homeopathic medicines

A lo largo de 155 años, médicos homeópatas e instituciones académicas han promovido el estudio y la configuración de las patogenesias de diversos remedios mexicanos. Este trabajo relata la historia de 54 de ellas y señala datos específicos acerca de su acción terapéutica. Es importante resaltar las investigaciones en torno a Meteorita campo cielo (es la primera vez en la historia que se experimenta con un meteorito), y Cinis popo (ceniza del volcán Popocatépetl). (AU)

Over 155 years, homeopaths and academic institutions have promoted the study and configuration of several mexican remedies pathogenesis . This work tells the story of 54 of them and points out specific facts about its therapeutic action. Importantly, the research on Campo cielo meteorite (the first time in history that is experienced with a meteorite), and Cinis popo (Popocatepetl volcano ash). (AU)

Sobre los medicamentos homeopáticos mexicanos / On mexican homeopathic medicines

A lo largo de 155 años, médicos homeópatas e instituciones académicas han promovido el estudio y la configuración de las patogenesias de diversos remedios mexicanos. Este trabajo relata la historia de 54 de ellas y señala datos específicos acerca de su acción terapéutica. Es importante resaltar las investigaciones en torno a Meteorita campo cielo (es la primera vez en la historia que se experimenta con un meteorito), y Cinis popo (ceniza del volcán Popocatépetl).

Over 155 years, homeopaths and academic institutions have promoted the study and configuration of several mexican remedies pathogenesis . This work tells the story of 54 of them and points out specific facts about its therapeutic action. Importantly, the research on Campo cielo meteorite (the first time in history that is experienced with a meteorite), and Cinis popo (Popocatepetl volcano ash).

Rebound effect of drugs: fatal risk of conventional treatment and parmacological basis of homeopathic treatment / Efeito rebote das drogas: riscos fatais do tratamento convencional e bases farmacológicas do tratamento homeopático / Efecto rebote de drogas: riesgos fatales del tratamiento convencional y bases farmacológicas del tratamiento homeopático

The homeopathic model applies the secondary action or vital reaction of the organism as a therapeutic method and thus prescribes treatment by similitude, which consists in administering to ill individuals substances that cause similar symptoms in healthy individuals. The vital, homeostatic or paradoxical reaction of the organism might be explained scientifically by means of the rebound effect of modern drugs, which might cause fatal iatrogenic events after discontinuation of antipathic (a term used in alternative medicine for palliative treatment, also known as enantiopathic) treatment. Although the rebound effect is studied by modern pharmacology, it is poorly communicated to and discussed among healthcare professionals, who are thus deprived of information needed for the safe management of modern drugs. This article presents an up-to-date review on the rebound effect of modern drugs that grounds the homeopathic principle of healing and calls the attention of doctors to this type of adverse effect that is usually unnoticed. The rebound effect of modern palliative drugs, which was pointed out by Hahnemann more than two centuries ago, might cause fatal adverse events and is illustrated by the examples of acetylsalicylic acid, anti-inflammatory agents, bronchodilators, antidepressants, statins, proton-pump inhibitors, etc. Although the rebound effect is expressed by a small fraction of (susceptible) individuals and might be avoided by gradual tapering of antipathic drugs, it exhibits epidemiologic importance as a function of the massive use of such palliative drugs and the lack of knowledge in its regard.

O modelo homeopático aplica a ação secundária ou reação vital do organismo como método terapêutico. Assim, propõe o tratamento por semelhança, que consiste em administrar aos doentes substâncias que produzem sintomas similares em pessoas sadias. A reação vital, homeostática ou paradoxal do organismo pode ser explicada cientificamente com base no efeito rebote das drogas modernas. Este pode produzir eventos iatrogênicos fatais depois da suspensão do tratamento antipático (ou enantiopático, termo utilizado em medicina alternativa para se referir ao tratamento paliativo). Embora o efeito rebote é abordado pela farmacologia moderna, é pouco difundido e discutido pelos profissionais da saúde que, assim, são privados de informação necessária para o manejo seguro das drogas modernas. Este artigo apresenta uma revisão atualizada do efeito rebote das drogas modernas e que também embasa o princípio homeopático da cura. Apontado por Hahnemann mais de dois séculos atrás, o efeito rebote das drogas paliativas modernas pode causar efeitos adversos fatais, como ilustram os exemplos do ácido salicílico, anti-inflamatórios, broncodilatadores, antidepressivos, estatinas, inibidores da bomba de prótons, etc. Embora o efeito rebote seja expressado por uma pequena parte de indivíduos (suscetíveis) e possa ser evitando através da retirada gradual das drogas antipáticas, atinge importância epidemiológica devido ao uso maciço dessas drogas e do desconhecimento a seu respeito.

Rebound effect of drugs: fatal risk of conventional treatment and parmacological basis of homeopathic treatment / Efeito rebote das drogas: riscos fatais do tratamento convencional e bases farmacológicas do tratamento homeopático / Efecto rebote de drogas: riesgos fatales del tratamiento convencional y bases farmacológicas del tratamiento homeopático

The homeopathic model applies the secondary action or vital reaction of the organism as a therapeutic method and thus prescribes treatment by similitude, which consists in administering to ill individuals substances that cause similar symptoms in healthy individuals. The vital, homeostatic or paradoxical reaction of the organism might be explained scientifically by means of the rebound effect of modern drugs, which might cause fatal iatrogenic events after discontinuation of antipathic (a term used in alternative medicine for palliative treatment, also known as enantiopathic) treatment. Although the rebound effect is studied by modern pharmacology, it is poorly communicated to and discussed among healthcare professionals, who are thus deprived of information needed for the safe management of modern drugs. This article presents an up-to-date review on the rebound effect of modern drugs that grounds the homeopathic principle of healing and calls the attention of doctors to this type of adverse effect that is usually unnoticed. The rebound effect of modern palliative drugs, which was pointed out by Hahnemann more than two centuries ago, might cause fatal adverse events and is illustrated by the examples of acetylsalicylic acid, anti-inflammatory agents, bronchodilators, antidepressants, statins, proton-pump inhibitors, etc. Although the rebound effect is expressed by a small fraction of (susceptible) individuals and might be avoided by gradual tapering of antipathic drugs, it exhibits epidemiologic importance as a function of the massive use of such palliative drugs and the lack of knowledge in its regard.(AU)

O modelo homeopático aplica a ação secundária ou reação vital do organismo como método terapêutico. Assim, propõe o tratamento por semelhança, que consiste em administrar aos doentes substâncias que produzem sintomas similares em pessoas sadias. A reação vital, homeostática ou paradoxal do organismo pode ser explicada cientificamente com base no efeito rebote das drogas modernas. Este pode produzir eventos iatrogênicos fatais depois da suspensão do tratamento antipático (ou enantiopático, termo utilizado em medicina alternativa para se referir ao tratamento paliativo). Embora o efeito rebote é abordado pela farmacologia moderna, é pouco difundido e discutido pelos profissionais da saúde que, assim, são privados de informação necessária para o manejo seguro das drogas modernas. Este artigo apresenta uma revisão atualizada do efeito rebote das drogas modernas e que também embasa o princípio homeopático da cura. Apontado por Hahnemann mais de dois séculos atrás, o efeito rebote das drogas paliativas modernas pode causar efeitos adversos fatais, como ilustram os exemplos do ácido salicílico, anti-inflamatórios, broncodilatadores, antidepressivos, estatinas, inibidores da bomba de prótons, etc. Embora o efeito rebote seja expressado por uma pequena parte de indivíduos (suscetíveis) e possa ser evitando através da retirada gradual das drogas antipáticas, atinge importância epidemiológica devido ao uso maciço dessas drogas e do desconhecimento a seu respeito.(AU)

O problema da dose em homeopatia: avaliação do efeito de altas diluições de arsenicum album 30ch em ratos intoxicados com arsênico / The problem of dose in homeopathy: evaluation of the effect of high dilutions of Arsenicum album 30cH on rats intoxicated with arsenic

Background: Although scientific studies have confirmed the action of homeopathic high dilutions in living organisms an endless debate on the choice of the most fitting dilution, the frequency of administration and the dose (amount of medicine) still remains. Aims: This study sought to assess the in vivo effect of 2 different concentrations of Arsenicum album 30cH in order to elucidate some problems in the homeopathic notion of dose. Methods: Male Wistar rats previously intoxicated with sodium arsenate by peritoneal injection were treated with undiluted Ars 30cH and Ars 30cH in 1% solution administered by oral route. Atomic absorption spectroscopy was employed to measure the levels of arsenic retained in the animals as well as the amounts eliminated through urine. Urine samples were collected before and after and during treatment. A positive control group (intoxicated animals) and negative control group (nonintoxicated animals) were administered only the vehicle used to prepare the medicine (ethanol). Results: The groups treated with undiluted Ars 30cH and Ars 30cH in 1% solution eliminated significant amounts of arsenic through urine when compared to the control groups. The group treated with undiluted Ars 30cH eliminated significantly higher amounts of arsenic than the group treated with the same medicine in 1% solution. Conclusion: These results suggest that undiluted Ars 30cH was more effective than in 1% solution in this experimental model.(AU)

Background: Although scientific studies have confirmed the action of homeopathic high dilutions in living organisms an endless debate on the choice of the most fitting dilution, the frequency of administration and the dose (amount of medicine) still remains. Aims: This study sought to assess the in vivo effect of 2 different concentrations of Arsenicum album 30cH in order to elucidate some problems in the homeopathic notion of dose. Methods: Male Wistar rats previously intoxicated with sodium arsenate by peritoneal injection were treated with undiluted Ars 30cH and Ars 30cH in 1% solution administered by oral route. Atomic absorption spectroscopy was employed to measure the levels of arsenic retained in the animals as well as the amounts eliminated through urine. Urine samples were collected before and after and during treatment. A positive control group (intoxicated animals) and negative control group (nonintoxicated animals) were administered only the vehicle used to prepare the medicine (ethanol). Results: The groups treated with undiluted Ars 30cH and Ars 30cH in 1% solution eliminated significant amounts of arsenic through urine when compared to the control groups. The group treated with undiluted Ars 30cH eliminated significantly higher amounts of arsenic than the group treated with the same medicine in 1% solution. Conclusion: These results suggest that undiluted Ars 30cH was more effective than in 1% solution in this experimental model.(AU)

Homeopatia e câncer: uma revisão da literatura / Homeopathy and cancer: a literature review

The World Health Organization states that deaths from cancer are increasing reaching an estimated 12 million deaths by 2030 [1]. In Brazil will be about 480,000 new cases by the end of 2011 [2]. For the treatment of cancer conventional therapies are used, such as chemotherapy[3] and radiotherapy [4] which can cause many adverse reactions. Complementary therapies such as homeopathy can be combined to traditional cancer treatment with the aim of minimizing these adverse reactions, relieving the symptoms of the disease itself and its treatment. Other complementary therapies which can aid in cancer treatment are electrotherapy, acupuncture and electroacupuncture, nutritional supplements, probiotics, phytotherapy, among others[5]. The literature shows the homeopathic medicines can be prescribed using the patient?s physical constitution as one strategy to help cancer patients [6-11]. This work aims to compile the literature review done with in vitro and in vivo models describing the mechanisms of action of homeopathic medicines used to treat different kinds of cancer. The research findings showed that homeopathy can help the patient to come to terms with the disease, after cancer diagnosis which often brings with itself denial, fear and a host of psychological disorders that cause an unbalance in the body. In addition, some works done with in vitro and in vivo models have shown that homeopathic medicines can modulate the immune system, activating macrophages and inducing the release of cytokines. These and other effects may help the body to overcome the cancer. The use of homeopathic therapy as complementary to conventional cancer treatment has promising results and should be further investigated.(AU)

The World Health Organization states that deaths from cancer are increasing reaching an estimated 12 million deaths by 2030 [1]. In Brazil will be about 480,000 new cases by the end of 2011 [2]. For the treatment of cancer conventional therapies are used, such as chemotherapy[3] and radiotherapy [4] which can cause many adverse reactions. Complementary therapies such as homeopathy can be combined to traditional cancer treatment with the aim of minimizing these adverse reactions, relieving the symptoms of the disease itself and its treatment. Other complementary therapies which can aid in cancer treatment are electrotherapy, acupuncture and electroacupuncture, nutritional supplements, probiotics, phytotherapy, among others[5]. The literature shows the homeopathic medicines can be prescribed using the patient?s physical constitution as one strategy to help cancer patients [6-11]. This work aims to compile the literature review done with in vitro and in vivo models describing the mechanisms of action of homeopathic medicines used to treat different kinds of cancer. The research findings showed that homeopathy can help the patient to come to terms with the disease, after cancer diagnosis which often brings with itself denial, fear and a host of psychological disorders that cause an unbalance in the body. In addition, some works done with in vitro and in vivo models have shown that homeopathic medicines can modulate the immune system, activating macrophages and inducing the release of cytokines. These and other effects may help the body to overcome the cancer. The use of homeopathic therapy as complementary to conventional cancer treatment has promising results and should be further investigated.(AU)

The problem of dose in homeopathy: evaluation of the effect of high dilutions of Arsenicum album 30cH on rats intoxicated with arsenic / O problema da dose em homeopatia: avaliação do efeito de altas diluições de Arsenicum album 30cH em ratos intoxicados com arsênico / El problema de la dosis en homeopatía: evaluación del efecto de altas diluciones de Arsenicum album 30cH en ratones intoxicados con arsénico

Background: Although scientific studies have confirmed the action of homeopathic high dilutions in living organisms an endless debate on the choice of the most fitting dilution, the frequency of administration and the dose (amount of medicine) still remains. Aims: This study sought to assess the in vivo effect of 2 different concentrations of Arsenicum album 30cH in order to elucidate some problems in the homeopathic notion of dose. Methods: Male Wistar rats previously intoxicated with sodium arsenate by peritoneal injection were treated with undiluted Ars 30cH and Ars 30cH in 1% solution administered by oral route. Atomic absorption spectroscopy was employed to measure the levels of arsenic retained in the animals as well as the amounts eliminated through urine. Urine samples were collected before and after and during treatment. A positive control group (intoxicated animals) and negative control group (non-intoxicated animals) were administered only the vehicle used to prepare the medicine (ethanol). Results: The groups treated with undiluted Ars 30cH and Ars 30cH in 1% solution eliminated significant amounts of arsenic through urine when compared to the control groups. The group treated with undiluted Ars 30cH eliminated significantly higher amounts of arsenic than the group treated with the same medicine in 1% solution. Conclusion: These results suggest that undiluted Ars 30cH was more effective than in 1% solution in this experimental model.

Introdução: embora estudos científicos têm confirmado a ação das altas diluições homeopáticas em organismos vivos, permanece o debate infindável acerca da escolha da diluição mais adequada, a frequência de administração e a dose (quantidade de medicamento). Objetivos: este estudo procurou avaliar o efeito in vitro de 2 concentrações diferentes de Arsenicum album 30cH a fim de elucidar alguns aspectos da noção homeopática de dose. Métodos: ratos Wistar machos previamente intoxicados com arseniato de sódio por injeção peritoneal foram tratados com Ars 30cH não diluído ou diluído 1% por via oral. Foi utilizada espectroscopia de absorção atômica para medir os níveis de arsênico retido no organismo e eliminado através da urina. As amostras de urina foram colhidas antes, após e durante o tratamento. Os grupos controle positivo (animais intoxicados) e negativo (animais não intoxicados) receberam apenas o veículo utilizado para preparar o medicamento (etanol). Resultados: os grupos tratados com Ars 30cH não diluído e diluído em solução 1% eliminaram quantidades significativamente maiores de arsênico através da urina por comparação aos grupos controle. O grupo tratado com Ars 30cH não diluído eliminou quantidades significativamente maiores de arsênico que o grupo tratado com o mesmo medicamento em solução 1%. Conclusão: esses resultados sugerem que Ars 30cH não diluído foi mais efetivo que a solução 1% do mesmo neste modelo experimental.

Introducción: aunque estudios científicos han confirmado la acción de las altas diluciones homeopáticas en organismos vivos, permanece sin resolver la discusión acerca de la elección de la dilución más adecuada, la frecuencia de administración y la dosis (cantidad de medicamento). Objetivos: este estudio buscó evaluar el efecto in vitro de 2 concentraciones diferentes de Arsenicum album 30cH para dirimir algunos problemas en la noción homeopática de dosis. Métodos: ratones Wistar macho previamente intoxicados con arseniato de sodio por inyección peritoneal fueron tratados con Ars 30cH sin diluir o diluido en solución 1% por vía oral. Fue utilizada espectroscopía de absorción atómica para medir los niveles de arsénico retenidos en el organismo y eliminados por orina. Las muestras de orina fueron recogidas antes, durante y después del tratamiento. Los grupos control positivo (animales intoxicados) y negativo (animales no intoxicados) recibieron exclusivamente el vehículo utilizado para preparar el medicamento (etanol). Resultados: los grupos tratados con Ars 30cH no diluido y diluido 1% eliminaron cantidades significativamente mayores de arsénico por orina que los controles. El grupo tratado con Ars 30cH no diluido eliminó cantidades significativamente mayores de arsénico por orina que el grupo tratado con el mismo medicamento diluido 1%. Conclusión: estos resultados sugieren que Ars 30cH no diluido fue más efectivo que cuando diluido 1% en este modelo experimental.

The problem of dose in homeopathy: evaluation of the effect of high dilutions of Arsenicum album 30cH on rats intoxicated with arsenic / O problema da dose em homeopatia: avaliação do efeito de altas diluições de Arsenicum album 30cH em ratos intoxicados com arsênico / El problema de la dosis en homeopatía: evaluación del efecto de altas diluciones de Arsenicum album 30cH en ratones intoxicados con arsénico

Background: Although scientific studies have confirmed the action of homeopathic high dilutions in living organisms an endless debate on the choice of the most fitting dilution, the frequency of administration and the dose (amount of medicine) still remains. Aims: This study sought to assess the in vivo effect of 2 different concentrations of Arsenicum album 30cH in order to elucidate some problems in the homeopathic notion of dose. Methods: Male Wistar rats previously intoxicated with sodium arsenate by peritoneal injection were treated with undiluted Ars 30cH and Ars 30cH in 1% solution administered by oral route. Atomic absorption spectroscopy was employed to measure the levels of arsenic retained in the animals as well as the amounts eliminated through urine. Urine samples were collected before and after and during treatment. A positive control group (intoxicated animals) and negative control group (non-intoxicated animals) were administered only the vehicle used to prepare the medicine (ethanol). Results: The groups treated with undiluted Ars 30cH and Ars 30cH in 1% solution eliminated significant amounts of arsenic through urine when compared to the control groups. The group treated with undiluted Ars 30cH eliminated significantly higher amounts of arsenic than the group treated with the same medicine in 1% solution. Conclusion: These results suggest that undiluted Ars 30cH was more effective than in 1% solution in this experimental model.(AU)

Introdução: embora estudos científicos têm confirmado a ação das altas diluições homeopáticas em organismos vivos, permanece o debate infindável acerca da escolha da diluição mais adequada, a frequência de administração e a dose (quantidade de medicamento). Objetivos: este estudo procurou avaliar o efeito in vitro de 2 concentrações diferentes de Arsenicum album 30cH a fim de elucidar alguns aspectos da noção homeopática de dose. Métodos: ratos Wistar machos previamente intoxicados com arseniato de sódio por injeção peritoneal foram tratados com Ars 30cH não diluído ou diluído 1% por via oral. Foi utilizada espectroscopia de absorção atômica para medir os níveis de arsênico retido no organismo e eliminado através da urina. As amostras de urina foram colhidas antes, após e durante o tratamento. Os grupos controle positivo (animais intoxicados) e negativo (animais não intoxicados) receberam apenas o veículo utilizado para preparar o medicamento (etanol). Resultados: os grupos tratados com Ars 30cH não diluído e diluído em solução 1% eliminaram quantidades significativamente maiores de arsênico através da urina por comparação aos grupos controle. O grupo tratado com Ars 30cH não diluído eliminou quantidades significativamente maiores de arsênico que o grupo tratado com o mesmo medicamento em solução 1%. Conclusão: esses resultados sugerem que Ars 30cH não diluído foi mais efetivo que a solução 1% do mesmo neste modelo experimental.(AU)

Introducción: aunque estudios científicos han confirmado la acción de las altas diluciones homeopáticas en organismos vivos, permanece sin resolver la discusión acerca de la elección de la dilución más adecuada, la frecuencia de administración y la dosis (cantidad de medicamento). Objetivos: este estudio buscó evaluar el efecto in vitro de 2 concentraciones diferentes de Arsenicum album 30cH para dirimir algunos problemas en la noción homeopática de dosis. Métodos: ratones Wistar macho previamente intoxicados con arseniato de sodio por inyección peritoneal fueron tratados con Ars 30cH sin diluir o diluido en solución 1% por vía oral. Fue utilizada espectroscopía de absorción atómica para medir los niveles de arsénico retenidos en el organismo y eliminados por orina. Las muestras de orina fueron recogidas antes, durante y después del tratamiento. Los grupos control positivo (animales intoxicados) y negativo (animales no intoxicados) recibieron exclusivamente el vehículo utilizado para preparar el medicamento (etanol). Resultados: los grupos tratados con Ars 30cH no diluido y diluido 1% eliminaron cantidades significativamente mayores de arsénico por orina que los controles. El grupo tratado con Ars 30cH no diluido eliminó cantidades significativamente mayores de arsénico por orina que el grupo tratado con el mismo medicamento diluido 1%. Conclusión: estos resultados sugieren que Ars 30cH no diluido fue más efectivo que cuando diluido 1% en este modelo experimental.(AU)